Dem Rep. Calls for ICE Reform to End DHS Shutdown

Garamendi says Republicans must agree to ICE training and oversight to fund TSA and reopen airports

Mar. 19, 2026 at 1:50am

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In an interview on CNN, Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) stated that the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which has caused long lines and potential airport closures due to unfunded Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations, could be resolved if Republicans and the President agreed to reforms for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Garamendi argued that ICE needs better training, body cameras, and more transparency, and that addressing these issues is the key to unlocking funding for TSA and reopening the government.

Why it matters

The DHS shutdown has created significant travel disruptions, with TSA staffing shortages leading to hour-long security lines at airports. Resolving this impasse is crucial for maintaining the flow of air travel and commerce. Garamendi's comments suggest that Democrats are willing to end the shutdown, but are linking it to their longstanding demands for ICE reform, which Republicans have resisted.

The details

Garamendi stated that Democrats have identified 12 specific reforms they want to see implemented for ICE, including proper training, use of body cameras, and a requirement that agents not hide their identities behind masks. He argued that the Republicans and President Trump need to simply agree to these reforms in order to unlock the funding needed to reopen the TSA and end the DHS shutdown.

  • The DHS shutdown has been ongoing for over a month.
  • Congress is scheduled to adjourn for the week on the day after Garamendi's interview.

The players

Rep. John Garamendi

A Democratic Congressman from California who was interviewed on CNN about the DHS shutdown.

President Donald Trump

The Republican President who Garamendi says must agree to ICE reforms in order to end the shutdown.

ICE

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency that Garamendi says needs significant reforms, including better training, body cameras, and transparency.

TSA

The Transportation Security Administration, which has been impacted by the DHS shutdown and faces potential airport closures due to staffing shortages.

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What they’re saying

“All that needs to be done is for the Republicans and the President to simply say, you know, you're right, this police force ought to be properly trained, this police force ought to have the appropriate equipment, they ought to have body cams, identification. They ought not hide behind masks, all of those things. This would be done, and this would open up TSA, and the funding would go forward.”

— Rep. John Garamendi, U.S. Congressman

What’s next

Congress is scheduled to adjourn for the week after the day of Garamendi's interview, meaning many members including himself will soon be traveling by air and experiencing the airport disruptions firsthand.

The takeaway

The ongoing DHS shutdown has created significant travel challenges, but Garamendi argues that a path to resolving it exists if Republicans agree to Democratic demands for reforming the ICE agency. This political impasse highlights the broader tensions over immigration enforcement and the willingness of both parties to leverage government funding as a bargaining chip.